No Highland games would be complete without the distinctive sound of the pipes and drums.
Solo piping and drumming competitions are a big part of our games with individuals belonging to "Grades" based upon their abilities and competition results among the years. All pipers and drummers begin competing at the novice level and move up among the various grade levels once they have distinguished themselves among their peers. The grade levels consist of: Novice; Grade 4; Grade 3; Grade 2; Grade 1; Professional.
Most, if not all, of the pipe and drum bands competing in the Springfield Area Highland Games & Celtic Festival belong to the Midwest Pipe Band Association (www.mwpba.org) and just like the solo competitors the bands must also compete against other bands in their grade level. At our games you will find Grade 5, Grade 4 and Grade 3 bands striving to outplay the others, all in a friendly competitive spirit.
